The All-Gender Restroom Ordinance helps achieve greater restroom access for transgender and gender diverse individuals. Seattle’s Public Accommodations Ordinance (SMC 14.06) also clarifies the rights of individuals to use gender-specific facilities that are consistent with their gender identity.

The All-Gender Restroom Ordinance applies to existing and newly-built City facilities, as well as in public places in Seattle. It allows use of single occupant restrooms by any person, regardless of sex or gender identity, and prevents those restrooms from being restricted to a specific sex or gender identity. Single occupant restroom facilities without appropriate signage already in place will require new signs to be posted.

Everybody has basic needs, including using a restroom. Despite existing protections on the basis of gender identity, transgender and gender nonconforming people often experience harassment, intimidation, refusal of access, and in some cases, violence, when trying to use public restrooms and other gender-specific facilities consistent with their gender identities. These experiences sometimes lead to significant health problems from having to avoid using public restrooms.

All-gender restrooms are facilities that anyone can use regardless of gender. They benefit many people, including transgender and gender diverse individuals, people who require the assistance of a caregiver of a different gender, and parents with children of a different gender.

Examples of all-gender restroom signs:

All-Gender Restroom

Gender-Neutral Restroom

Unisex Restroom

Toilet

WC = Water Closet

The Seattle Office for Civil Rights has finalized Administrative Rules for the City of Seattle’s All-Gender Restroom Ordinance (SMC 14.07).

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The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) works to ensure that everyone in Seattle has equal access to housing, employment, public accommodations, and contracting. SOCR investigates and enforces City, State, and Federal anti-discrimination laws, and provides public policy recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, and other City departments. The Office develops and implements policies and programs promoting fairness, equity, and diversity. It also administers the Title VI program of the 1964 Federal Civil Rights Act, and Title II of the federal ADA Act.